On June 15, 1936, Virginia became the first state to open an entire park system on the same day. The new parks offered modern outdoor recreational facilities while protecting areas with significant natural resources. The original six-park system has expanded to include nearly 70 parks, natural areas and historic sites. Each has unique natural and/or historical resources that are carefully managed and preserved while providing a wide variety of recreational opportunities for Virginia's residents and visitors alike.

A visit to today's state park reveals a myriad of outdoor experiences. Featured are some of the commonwealths most spectacular scenery and outstanding natural resources, including Natural Tunnel in southwest Virginia and the fragile coastal environment at False Cape in Virginia Beach.

The parks offer boat access to most of the major bodies of water in Virginia including the commonwealth's four largest lakes, the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Camping, offered in 18 parks, and cabins, offered in nine parks, have long been favorites of Virginia State Parks visitors. In addition, Virginia State Parks have offered the best in nature and history programming for more than 30 years, increasing the public's knowledge and understanding of their environment.

History

• 1926 - The State Commission on Conservation and Development was established. This agency evolved into today's Department of Conservation and Recreation.
• 1929 - The Virginia Academy of Science, the Garden Club of Virginia and the Izaak Walton League met in Richmond to discuss the need for state parks. These three groups passed resolutions which were presented to Governor-elect John Garland Pollard. Almost simultaneously, there was a movement in southwest Virginia for the establishment of an interstate park of about 10,000 acres between Virginia and Kentucky at the Breaks of the Cumberland. The Seashore State Park Association in Norfolk also came into existence about this time, with a park on the Atlantic Ocean as its objective.
• 1933 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). At that time, six areas were acquired by the commonwealth. CCC camps were placed in all these areas, and construction began on the Virginia state park system.
• June 15, 1936 - Virginia's first six state parks opened. These were:
  • Seashore in what was then Princess Anne County (now City of Virginia Beach)
• Westmoreland in Westmoreland County
• Staunton River in Halifax County
• Douthat in Bath and Alleghany counties
• Fairy Stone in Patrick and Henry counties
• Hungry Mother in Smyth County
• 1940s - 1950s - The parks system continued to expand by acquiring new lands for additional parks and through the addition of recreational areas developed by the Department of Agriculture. Virginia became the first state in the southeast to offer environmental and historical interpretive programs.
• 1960 - The Division of Parks undertook a new program, and another first in the country, creating a Natural Areas System aimed at preserving unspoiled examples of each of the commonwealths natural land types.
• 1966 - The state evaluated its recreational resources and adopted a plan of action entitled Virginias Common Wealth, created by the Virginia Outdoor Recreation Study Commission. This plan, which is revised every five years, provides a blueprint for preserving opportunities for the states rapidly growing population to enjoy outdoor activities in contact with nature. A number of new state parks was developed as a result of this plan.
• 1980s - This decade saw continued growth and improvements to the state parks system with departmental and divisional reorganizations. Three new parks opened in 1983: Smith Mountain Lake, Sky Meadows and Lake Anna. Mason Neck opened in 1984, New River Trail in 1987, Hemlock Haven Conference Center in 1988 and Leesylvania in June 1989. In addition, facilities were added to many parks for improved resource management and public access.
• 1990s - The Eastern Shore gained a state park when Kiptopeke opened in 1992. That year, Virginia voters showed their desire to invest in the state's natural and historic resources through overwhelming passage of the $95 million parks and natural areas bond referendum. These bonds have financed approximately 225 improvement projects statewide, including the acquisition of four new park sites and 10 new natural areas, as well as many improvements to existing parks. Belle Isle, the first park to be acquired with bond monies, was dedicated in 1993. Also recently acquired were Wilderness Road, James River and Andy Guest Shenandoah River state parks.

Quick Facts

The Virginia State Parks system includes:

• 34 state parks
• 33 natural areas